Visa policy of the Schengen Area

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v t e

The visa policy of the Schengen Area is a component within the wider area of freedom, security and justice policy of the European Union. It applies to the Schengen Area and to other EU member states except Ireland.^[1] The visa policy allows nationals of certain countries to enter the Schengen Area via air, land or sea without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Nationals of certain other countries are required to have a visa to enter and, in some cases, transit through the Schengen area.

The Schengen Area consists of 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries that are members of EFTA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Cyprus, while an EU member state, is not yet part of the Schengen Area but, nonetheless, has a visa policy that is partially based on the Schengen acquis.^[2]

Ireland has opted out of the Schengen Agreement and instead operates its own visa policy, as do certain overseas territories of Schengen member states.

Nationals of EU single market countries are not only visa-exempt but are legally entitled to enter and reside in each other's countries. However, their right to freedom of movement in each other's countries can be limited in a reserved number of situations, as prescribed by EU treaties.

Visa policy map

Visa exemptions

Freedom of movement

A clickable Euler diagram^[file] showing the relationships between various multinational European organisations and agreements

• v
• t
• e

•  European Union citizens
• Citizens of EFTA member states

Nationals of 'Annex II' countries and territories (visa waiver countries)

Since 2001, the European Union has issued a list of countries whose nationals need visas (Annex I) and a list of those who do not (Annex II).^[12] The two lists are also adopted by Cyprus, despite not being part of the Schengen Area yet.^[13]

Nationals of the following countries and territories holding ordinary passports may enter the Schengen Area and Cyprus without a visa, for short stays (usually 90 days within any 180-day period):^[14]

Residents and holders of visas of Schengen states

Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state or Monaco may also travel to other Schengen states, without an additional visa, for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.^[46][47][48] Short-stay visas issued by a Schengen state are also valid for all other Schengen states unless marked otherwise.^[46]

Holders of a double or multiple-entry visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state or Monaco may also travel to Cyprus without an additional visa, for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, except nationals of Turkey and Azerbaijan, who still need a Cypriot visa.^[13] However, visas and residence permits issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to the Schengen Area.^[49]

Family members of EU single market nationals

Individuals of any nationality who are family members of EU single market nationals and are in possession of a residence card indicating their status are exempt from the requirement to hold a visa when entering the EU single market when they are accompanying their EU single market family member or are seeking to join them.^[50]

School pupils resident in the EU single market or Annex II countries and territories

Refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland or Annex II countries and territories

Holders of local border traffic permits

Currently the local border traffic regulation agreements exist with Belarus (with Latvia since 2011), Moldova (with Romania since 2010), Russia (with Norway since 2012,^[57] with Latvia since 2013 and Poland 2012-2016¹) and Ukraine (with Hungary and Slovakia since 2008, Poland since 2009 and Romania since 2015). Agreement between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is pending ratification but is applied on provisional basis.^[58]

Holders of non-ordinary passports

There are no common visa lists for holders of diplomatic, service and other official passports. States may still maintain different policies on these.^[45]

Airport transit

In general, a passenger who transits through one single airport in the Schengen Area and Cyprus while remaining airside in the international transit area less than one day will not require a visa (transit privilege). This only applies if the transfer is possible without leaving the international transit area, which depends on the connecting flight and airport layout.^[68]

However, on 5 April 2010, common visa requirements for airport transit were introduced by the European Union.^[69] Nationals of the following 12 countries are required to hold an airport transit visa (ATV) when transiting through any airport in the Schengen Area or Cyprus, even if they remain airside:^[70]

However, nationals of the above countries are exempt from airport transit visas if they hold a visa or residence permit issued by an EU single market country, Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or the United States, are family members of an EU single market national, hold a diplomatic passport, or are flight crew members.^[71]

Additionally, individual Schengen countries can impose airport transit visa requirements for nationals of other countries in urgent cases of mass influx of illegal immigrants.^[72] For example, nationals of Syria need ATVs for many but not all Schengen countries.

Visas

Schengen visas can be issued by any member state of the Schengen Area. Travellers must apply to the embassy or consulate of the country which they intend to visit. In cases of travellers visiting multiple countries in the Schengen Area, travellers must apply to their main destination's embassy or consulate.^[74] If the main destination cannot be determined, the traveller should apply for the visa at the embassy of the Schengen member state of first entry.^[74] Often, external service providers are contracted by certain diplomatic missions to process, collect and return visa applications.

Schengen visa applications may not be submitted more than six months prior to the proposed date of entry into the Schengen Area.^[75] All countries' embassies may require applicants to provide biometric identifiers (ten fingerprints and a digital photograph) as part of the visa application process to be stored on the Visa Information System (VIS). Biometric identifiers are not collected from children under the age of 12.^[76] Travellers applying for a Schengen visa for the first time must apply in person and are subject to an interview by the consular officers. If biometric identifiers have been provided within the past 59 months, the applicant may not be required to provide biometric identifiers again. Providing that the visa application is admissible and there are no issues with the application, a decision must be given within 15 calendar days of the date on which the application was lodged.^[77]

The standard application fee for a Schengen visa is EUR 80. There is a reduced application fee of EUR 40 for children aged 6 to 12. The visa application fee may be waived or reduced in order to 'promote cultural or sporting interests, interests in the field of foreign policy, development policy and other areas of vital public interest, or for humanitarian reasons or because of international obligations'. Where an application is submitted to an external service provider, an additional service fee may have to be paid.^[78]

Schengen visas are valid for any country in the Schengen Area unless marked otherwise.^[46] Cyprus also accepts double and multiple-entry Schengen visas, for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, except for nationals of Turkey and Azerbaijan.^[13] However, visas issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to the Schengen Area.^[49]

The Schengen Convention and Schengen Borders Code permit member states to require third-country nationals to report their presence to a police station within 3 working days of crossing an internal border.^[79] This requirement varies by country and can usually be performed by hotels instead.

Since the global loosening of COVID-19 lockdown rules and the rebound in travel demand, Schengen nation embassies have come under immense criticism for long visa processing times and unavailability of visa appointments.^[80][81] The general lack of competition for visa outsourcing contracts, which are dominated by companies such as VFS Global, BLS International and TLScontact, has also been blamed for the poor service.^[82]

This has partly spurred the EU to further digitalise the process. It is planning to introduce a unified online visa application platform at the EU and Schengen level, replacing the separated national platforms. The platform will be built by eu-LISA and is scheduled to be introduced in 2026. A transition period for all member states to migrate to the single platform is scheduled to last until 2031.^[83] The European Parliament voted on 18 October 2023 to introduce the digital application system and for cryptographically signed visas. In almost all cases, applications for Schengen visas will be made through a single website.^[84]

Visa facilitation agreements

The EU has concluded visa facilitation agreements with several countries, which allow facilitated procedures for issuing visas for both EU citizens and nationals of partner countries. The facilitated procedures include faster visa processing times, reduced or no fees, and reduced list of supporting documents.^[85] These agreements are also linked to readmission agreements that allow the return of people irregularly residing in the EU.^[86]

Visa facilitation agreements
Country	Entry into force	Notes
Armenia	1 January 2014
Azerbaijan	1 September 2014
Belarus	1 July 2020	Suspended for Belarusian government officials from 12 November 2021
Cape Verde	1 December 2014	Amended from 7 October 2021
Albania	1 January 2008	Visa waiver from 15 December 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina	1 January 2008	Visa waiver from 15 December 2010
Georgia	1 March 2011	Visa waiver from 28 March 2017
Moldova	1 January 2008	Amended from 1 July 2013, visa waiver from 28 April 2014
Montenegro	1 January 2008	Visa waiver from 19 December 2009
North Macedonia	1 January 2008	Visa waiver from 19 December 2009
Russia	1 June 2007	Fully suspended from 9 September 2022
Serbia	1 January 2008	Visa waiver from 19 December 2009
Ukraine	1 July 2013	Visa waiver from 11 June 2017

At the border

In exceptional cases, single-entry Schengen visas valid for up to 15 days may be issued on arrival at the border. These visas are reserved for individuals who can prove that they were unable to apply for a visa in advance due to time constraints arising out of 'unforeseeable' and 'imperative' reasons as long as they fulfil the regular criteria for the issuing of a Schengen visa.^[87] However, if the individual requesting a Schengen visa at the border falls within a category of people for which it is necessary to consult one or more of the central authorities of other Schengen states, they may only be issued a visa at the border in exceptional cases on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or on account of international obligations (such as the death or sudden serious illness of a close relative or of another close person).^[88] People trying this way to travel to the Schengen Area can be denied boarding by the airline because of the carrier's responsibility, which penalises airlines if they carry passengers who do not have the correct documentation.

Visas with limited territorial validity

In exceptional cases, Schengen states may issue visas with limited territorial validity (LTV), either specifically naming the state(s) for which it is valid or, inversely, the state(s) for which it is not valid. According to the Schengen Visa Code, member states may issue LTV visas when a consulate deems it justifiable to overcome the three-month limitation in six months, when a member state considers it necessary due to pressing circumstances to derogate from entry conditions as set by Schengen Borders Code, to overcome objections of other member states, or in cases of urgency.^[89]

Unrecognised travel documents

Schengen visas are only issued on travel documents of UN member states, Kosovo, Palestine, Taiwan, Vatican City, the Order of Malta, and certain international organisations (Council of Europe, EU, NATO, Red Cross, UN).^[90][91][92] Belgium and France also accept the passport of Somaliland.^[93] Passports of Abkhazia, Northern Cyprus, South Ossetia, Transnistria and Western Sahara are not accepted.^[94]

Statistics

Most Schengen visas, including visas with limited territorial validity, were issued at consulates of Schengen states located in the countries listed below.^[95] Visas issued in a country were not necessarily for nationals of that country.

By location of consulates

Location of consulates	2022		2021		2020		2019		2018		2017
	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate
Russia	604,926	10.2%	514,655	3.2%	635,663	2.6%	4,055,698	1.5%	3,632,492	1.6%	3,827,191	1.4%
China	80,048	9.3%	24,320	8.7%	202,384	4.8%	2,847,214	3.8%	2,708,477	3.7%	2,447,309	3.3%
India	541,440	18.3%	98,036	23.3%	138,670	16.9%	1,013,839	10.8%	975,858	9.4%	837,542	8.6%
Turkey	647,691	15.7%	221,125	16.9%	198,312	12.7%	813,498	9.7%	800,706	8.5%	905,021	6.5%
Belarus	118,557	1.9%	57,500	1.1%	134,834	0.3%	643,669	0.3%	677,173	0.3%	710,723	0.3%
Morocco	283,020	29.7%	103,660	27.6%	135,868	23.6%	545,903	21.0%	530,758	18.4%	514,860	15.4%
Algeria	192,639	48.2%	84,336	32.0%	87,676	38.0%	376,151	43.3%	385,930	45.7%	503,794	35.7%
Saudi Arabia	333,636	5.2%	161,955	4.3%	43,063	8.4%	368,188	5.7%	327,747	7.7%	312,016	5.5%
Ukraine	28,747	2.7%	188,810	2.7%	94,594	5.1%	186,036	5.8%	182,522	4.7%	694,714	3.7%
Thailand	189,600	8.2%	27,826	13.3%	70,484	8.0%	323,112	3.9%	319,974	3.4%	293,522	3.1%
United Kingdom	261,173	4.2%	66,007	5.0%	70,878	8.1%	259,788	4.4%	267,937	1.5%	259,509	1.4%
South Africa	155,580	5.3%	22,903	6.1%	31,646	6.3%	217,170	3.3%	215,305	2.4%	201,546	2.1%
Indonesia	125,330	5.1%	25,654	5.2%	44,837	3.2%	221,921	2.4%	205,581	1.8%	195,996	1.4%
Philippines	143,671	5.1%	75,150	2.7%	59,796	5.0%	172,132	8.3%	159,937	8.3%	157,850	7.1%
United Arab Emirates	143,553	22.7%	58,303	22.1%	32,802	20.6%	182,468	18.8%	176,409	18.1%	169,680	16.7%
Tunisia	112,718	30.3%	44,721	24.8%	49,796	29.0%	181,228	24.9%	186,566	18.6%	171,685	16.8%
Iran	100,170	25.2%	20,509	20.1%	25,892	36.2%	148,780	33.5%	190,478	29.7%	209,531	19.6%
Kuwait	138,371	5.0%	51,027	3.3%	16,739	8.2%	153,428	5.9%	165,575	4.9%	158,341	4.7%
Egypt	133,888	18.9%	45,513	17.0%	33,456	21.6%	159,919	19.1%	148,649	20.3%	139,070	18.1%
United States	112,946	4.2%	29,786	4.5%	28,115	3.8%	164,120	3.0%	154,510	2.0%	136,977	1.1%
Kazakhstan	96,590	8.2%	18,077	11.0%	29,516	10.0%	160,417	7.0%	149,636	4.8%	147,480	3.7%
Lebanon	80,285	18.5%	41,446	21.3%	26,342	24.4%	136,439	13.6%	135,407	12.2%	137,615	9.2%
Vietnam	71,924	8.7%	2,104	5.3%	10,494	12.8%	122,137	11.7%	114,036	9.5%	93,870	10.4%
Kosovo	108,049	11.2%	39,600	11.0%	20,076	21.5%	88,448	18.8%	71,257	21.6%	72,756	19.6%
Qatar	70,060	11.2%	41,527	4.7%	14,088	10.6%	86,504	8.0%	83,085	8.0%	76,488	8.5%
Angola	40,994	26.3%	7,394	20.5%	13,300	39.8%	80,703	27.3%	84,204	21.5%	88,100	19.7%
Total	6,080,113	17.9%	2,450,163	13.4%	2,519,835	13.6%	15,151,431	10.0%	14,378,969	9.7%	14,765,207	8.2%

By issuing state

Issuing state	2022		2021		2020		2019		2018		2017
	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate	Visas issued	Refusal rate
Austria	127,044	15.9%	40,178	9.9%	42,502	5.6%	312,836	5.1%	287,035	6.2%	290,323	4.7%
Belgium	117,269	28.4%	34,902	20.4%	35,910	23.6%	190,771	19.6%	174,511	17.5%	185,864	16.6%
Czech Republic	100,683	14.4%	200,456	3.3%	167,498	5.5%	700,889	5.3%	631,581	4.7%	595,319	4.5%
Denmark	56,509	18.9%	19,511	21.1%	27,079	11.8%	148,267	8.9%	149,898	7.1%	141,452	6.3%
Estonia	18,117	20.0%	38,389	5.4%	24,969	1.5%	143,647	1.4%	125,513	1.6%	136,394	1.2%
Finland	144,885	9.7%	55,882	4.7%	132,936	3.7%	877,759	1.9%	754,410	1.8%	816,789	1.1%
France	1,431,749	22.2%	481,618	21.1%	553,539	18.5%	3,294,696	16.2%	3,348,711	15.8%	3,164,751	13.7%
Germany	869,465	16.2%	286,531	15.9%	353,581	14.1%	1,958,003	9.8%	1,869,597	9.1%	1,892,662	7.6%
Greece	396,432	12.5%	274,836	6.3%	98,279	8.4%	835,865	4.5%	813,272	4.9%	989,595	3.9%
Hungary	122,737	15.1%	66,397	4.8%	39,947	9.1%	217,220	7.9%	211,031	7.8%	249,834	5.3%
Iceland	7,412	1.9%	2,410	9.7%	3,115	4.0%	18,020	1.2%	8,856	1.7%	7,154	1.0%
Italy	632,453	12.7%	191,876	9.8%	259,869	11.5%	1,895,964	7.7%	1,708,258	7.4%	1,708,538	7.7%
Latvia	19,030	9.5%	16,182	3.5%	29,630	2.7%	163,339	2.4%	157,711	2.1%	164,306	1.5%
Lithuania	24,138	7.8%	23,998	2.8%	65,216	2.1%	354,373	1.3%	346,626	1.3%	407,001	1.2%
Luxembourg	6,018	10.5%	2,296	1.2%	2,439	5.2%	11,270	3.9%	10,475	3.7%	9,642	3.7%
Malta	13,801	36.4%	3,577	16.2%	4,664	27.8%	27,773	19.7%	25,123	20.8%	27,924	25.5%
Netherlands	335,015	17.4%	117,946	13.5%	138,497	16.8%	632,246	13.3%	585,458	13.2%	553,058	10.2%
Norway	57,744	20.3%	7,886	26.2%	18,045	16.2%	168,561	5.6%	149,086	9.5%	184,906	5.7%
Poland	74,900	11.6%	39,915	5.6%	98,891	4.8%	438,510	3.6%	509,938	3.2%	790,809	3.9%
Portugal	123,534	18.1%	40,709	12.1%	39,653	30.0%	236,920	20.3%	222,337	16.6%	224,151	14.9%
Slovakia	11,026	9.7%	3,806	2.7%	4,192	4.0%	23,671	6.1%	25,680	4.2%	40,773	2.1%
Slovenia	13,915	18.1%	5,616	7.6%	4,574	14.8%	25,068	10.1%	23,771	10.0%	26,776	8.5%
Spain	920,773	19.8%	380,930	15.5%	265,112	17.4%	1,675,736	10.3%	1,508,567	9.5%	1,461,244	8.4%
Sweden	94,691	29.0%	15,061	30.6%	27,369	23.0%	236,290	12.5%	216,234	12.0%	216,396	10.2%
Switzerland	360,773	12.0%	99,255	13.0%	82,329	10.8%	563,737	7.8%	515,290	7.4%	479,546	7.2%
Total	6,080,113	17.9%	2,450,163	13.4%	2,519,835	13.6%	15,151,431	10.0%	14,378,969	9.7%	14,765,207	8.2%

Future changes

Visa exemptions

•  Armenia – In 2023, EU and Armenian officials discussed plans for visa liberalisation following their Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.^[96]
•  Bahrain  Kuwait  Oman  Qatar  Saudi Arabia – In 2022, the EU Council proposed a visa exemption for nationals of all countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council that were not yet exempt.^[97]
•  Belize – In 2024, EU and Belizean officials continued meeting to discuss a Schengen visa waiver.^[98]
•  Ecuador – In 2022, the EU Parliament proposed a visa exemption for nationals of Ecuador.^[99]
•  Fiji – In 2023, EU and Fijian officials met to discuss potential visa-free travel for nationals of Fiji to the Schengen Area.^[100]
•  Guyana – In July 2023, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali stated that at least five EU countries had agreed to sponsor a proposal for a visa exemption for nationals of Guyana.^[101]
•  Indonesia – In 2020, Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly met with ambassadors from 20 EU member states to discuss a reciprocal visa-free scheme.^[102]
•  Maldives – In December 2022, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid discussed with EU diplomats the possibility of securing a visa waiver for Maldivian nationals wishing to enter the Schengen Area.^[103]
•  Nauru – In 2014, the EU approved a visa waiver for nationals of several countries, including Nauru, contingent on a reciprocal agreement to be signed with each country.^[104] All of these countries, except Nauru, concluded such agreements by 2016.^[105]
•  Russia – In 2014, the EU suspended talks for visa-free travel with Russia as a result of the War in Donbas.^[106] In 2019, German officials suggested a visa-free regime for young Russians.^[107] In 2022, the EU fully suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[108]
•  Serbia – In 2024, the EU Parliament proposed including in the visa exemption for nationals of Serbia also holders of passports issued by the Coordination Directorate for Kosovo and Metohija, who had been previously excluded.^[109]
•  Thailand – In 2024, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with French President Emmanuel Macron and gained his support for a visa-free agreement with the EU.^[110]
•  Turkey – In 2023, EU and Turkish officials met to discuss progress in the conditions for visa liberalisation.^[111]
•  Vanuatu – A visa waiver agreement between the EU and Vanuatu was suspended on 4 May 2022 and set to resume on 4 August 2024.^[33]

Entry/Exit System

In 2017, the EU adopted a regulation to establish an Entry/Exit System (EES) to record electronically the entry and exit of third-country nationals to and from the Schengen Area in a central database, replacing the manual stamping of passports. The goals are to increase automation of border control and to identify overstayers.^[112][113] As of February 2023, EES is expected to enter into operation in 2024.^[114]

The EU also plans to establish a Registered Traveller Programme that would allow pre-screened travellers easier access.^[115]

ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned electronic authorisation system for visa-exempt visitors to travel to the Schengen Area and to other EU member states,^[116] except Ireland, which remains in the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom and other British Islands.^[117]

The implementation of ETIAS has been postponed several times.^[116] As of 2023, it is expected to become operational in 2025,^[118] with 6-month grace period to allow travellers and staff to become familiar with the new system.^[119] Prospective visitors will need to complete an online application and a €7 fee must be paid by those aged 18 to 70.^[120] ETIAS is expected to process the vast majority of applications automatically by searching in electronic databases and then provide an immediate response but, in some limited cases, it may take up to 30 days.

Single visa application platform

The European Commission is planning to introduce a single online visa application platform at the EU level, replacing the separate national platforms. The platform will be built by eu-LISA and is scheduled to be introduced by January 2026, with wide adoption by 2028.^[121][122] A transition period for all member states to migrate to the single platform is scheduled to be up to 7 years after the platform starts.^[83] The proposal was approved by the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in February 2023 by a margin of 34–5.^[123] The Parliament negotiated with the European Council on the final wording and implementation. A formal regulation was adopted and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 7 December 2023. ^{[124][125][126]}

Reciprocity

The EU requires that all Annex II countries and territories provide visa-free access for 90 days or longer to nationals of all Schengen states and other EU countries implementing the common visa rules (Cyprus, but not Ireland). If an Annex II country is found to not provide full reciprocity, the EU may decide to suspend the visa exemption for certain categories or later all nationals of that country.^[12]

Since the adoption of this policy, full reciprocity has been achieved with all Annex II countries except the United States, which, as of 2023^[update], requires visas from nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania.^[127] In November 2014, the Bulgarian government announced that it would not ratify the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership unless the United States lifted visa requirements for its nationals.^[128] Since the United States failed to lift the requirements, on 3 March 2017 the European Parliament approved a non-binding resolution calling on the European Commission to revoke the visa-free travel for US nationals to the Schengen Area.^[129]

Some Annex II countries and territories also impose minor restrictions on nationals of certain or all EU/Schengen states that are not considered a breach of reciprocity by the EU. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States require an electronic authorisation before travel, similar to the EU's own planned ETIAS. Canada also requires a visa from nationals of Romania with non-electronic passports.^[130] El Salvador requires citizens of Bulgaria and Croatia to buy tourist cards on arrival.^[131][132] Israel requires a visa from nationals of Germany born before 1928, which is issued free of charge if they were not involved with the Nazi Party.^{[133][134][135]} Montserrat requires an electronic visa from nationals of Croatia.^[136] The United States limits the validity of its electronic authorisation for nationals of Hungary to one year and a single use,^[137] and requires a visa for those born outside Hungary.^[138][139]

Stays exceeding 90 days

In general, third-country nationals staying more than 90 days in the Schengen Area as a whole or in Cyprus require either a long-stay visa for less than a year or a residence permit for longer periods.

Although long-stay visas issued by these countries have a uniform design, the procedures and conditions for issuing them are usually determined by each individual country. For example, some Schengen countries require applications for long-stay visas to be made in the applicant's home country, while other Schengen countries permit them after arrival. Some procedures may vary depending on the applicant's country as well.^{[140][141][142][143]} In some situations, such as for study, the procedures and conditions for long-stay visas have been harmonised among all issuing states.^[144][145] Each country is also free to establish its own conditions for residence permits.

Third-country nationals who are long-term residents of an EU or Schengen state (except Ireland and Denmark) may also acquire the right to move to and settle in another of these states without losing their legal status and social benefits.^[146] The Van Der Elst visa rule allows third-country nationals employed in the EU single market to work temporarily in another EU single market country for the same employer under certain conditions.

Bilateral visa waivers

Some third-country nationals are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days without the need to apply for a long-stay visa. For example, France does not require nationals of the European microstates to apply for a long-stay visa.^[147]

Nationals of some 'Annex II' countries (such as Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States) that had entered into visa waiver agreements with individual Schengen states before they implemented the Schengen agreement are permitted to stay for an additional period of time, above and beyond the typical maximum stay limit of 90 days within 180 days imposed on visa-free 'Annex II' nationals. In such instances, the period of additional stay depends on the specific visa waiver agreement, and only applies if the 'Annex II' national has used up their maximum stay limit as provided for under the Schengen Area.^[148]

Means of subsistence

In addition to general requirements, Schengen states also set entry conditions for foreign nationals of countries outside the EU single market called the "reference amounts required for the crossing of the external border fixed by national authorities" regarding means of subsistence during their stay.^[164][165]

Visa policies of Ireland and overseas territories

Ireland has an independent visa policy. It grants visa-free entry to all Schengen Annex II nationalities, except for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, East Timor, Georgia, Kosovo, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Palau, Peru, Serbia and Venezuela. It also grants visa-free entry to several additional countries – Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Eswatini, Fiji, Guyana, Lesotho, Maldives, Nauru and South Africa. Visas for Ireland and for the Schengen Area are not valid for each other. Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area and maintains freedom of movement with the United Kingdom in addition to with EU and Schengen countries.^[180]

The British overseas territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia has open borders with Cyprus and follows the visa policy of the Schengen Area, but requires permits for stays longer than 28 days per 12-month period.^[181][182] These rules were not affected by Brexit.^[183]

Overseas France and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have individual visa policies that are mostly aligned with the Schengen Area, with some exceptions and additions.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland have the same list of nationalities exempt from visas as the Schengen Area, and arrivals from the Schengen Area are not subject to border checks. However, Schengen visas are not valid there, so nationalities that are not exempt need separate visas for these territories. These regulations are due to a special agreement under the Nordic Passport Union.^[184][185]

Svalbard is an entirely visa-free zone. Travellers to and from Svalbard must present a passport or national ID card.^[186] Travellers who need a visa for the Schengen Area must have such visa if they travel to Svalbard via mainland Norway, and this must be a double-entry visa if they also return from Svalbard via mainland Norway.^[187]

Visa policies of candidate and applicant states

Countries applying to join the European Union are obliged to adopt the EU's visa policy no later than three months before they formally join the Union.^[190] Schengen countries give visa-free access to nationals of all EU candidate and applicant states except Turkey.^[191] Candidate states Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro and North Macedonia, and applicant state Kosovo maintain similar visa policies as the Schengen Area, with some notable exceptions regarding countries that were added to the Schengen Annex II more recently and additional nationalities not listed in Annex II. Candidate states Georgia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine require visas from some nationalities that have always been in Annex II and also maintain visa exemptions for some additional nationalities not in Annex II. Turkey also requires electronic visas from nationals of EU member state Cyprus.^[192]

Validity for other countries

Schengen visas that are valid for further travel are accepted as substitute visas for national visas in several other countries.

See also

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Europe.

1. ^ Österreich, Außenministerium der Republik. "Schengen Visa – BMEIA, Außenministerium Österreich". Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 6 May 2015.
2. ^ "Visa policy". European Commission. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
3. ^ Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States
4. ^ Summary of the Directive 2004/38/EC "Right of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States". 2 May 2006. Retrieved 17 December 2008.
5. ^ Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 158/2007 of 7 December 2007 amending Annex V (Free movement of workers) and Annex VIII (Right of establishment) to the EEA Agreement
6. ^ "Short Overview of the EFTA Convention". Retrieved 29 November 2017.
7. ^ Article 6.3.2 of the Practical Handbook for Border Guards (C (2006) 5186)
8. ^ Judgement of the European Court of Justice of 17 February 2005, Case C 215/03, Salah Oulane vs. Minister voor Vreemdelingenzaken en Integratie, ECLI:EU:C:2005:95
9. ^ Article 27 of Directive 2004/38/EC (Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States).
10. ^ Article 28 of Directive 2004/38/EC (Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States).
11. ^ Article 29 of Directive 2004/38/EC (Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States).
12. ^ ^{a b} Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement, pp. 39–58
13. ^ ^{a b c} "Visa section". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.
14. ^ "Lists of third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders and of those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement". European Commission.
15. ^ Council Regulation (EC) No 2317/95 of 25 September 1995 determining the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of the Member Statesd
16. ^ ^{a b} Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
17. ^ Council Regulation (EC) No 2414/2001 of 7 December 2001 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of Member States and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
18. ^ Council Regulation (EC) No 1932/2006 of 21 December 2006 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
19. ^ Ratified by the European Parliament (EP) on 15 December 2015
20. ^ ^{a b} Ratified by the EP on 15 December 2015
21. ^ ^{a b c} Ratified by the EP on 8 June 2016
22. ^ Ratified by the EP on 5 July 2016
23. ^ ^{a b c d e} Ratified by the EP on 1 December 2016
24. ^ Regulation (EU) 2023/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 April 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)), EUR-Lex, 25 April 2023. The regulation specified that the visa exemption would apply from the date when ETIAS started operations or from 1 January 2024, whichever came first. ETIAS did not start operations before that date. "Frequently asked questions about ETIAS". European Union.
25. ^ The Schengen acquis - Decision of the Executive Committee of 15 December 1997 on the harmonisation of visa policy (SCH/Com-ex (97) 32)
26. ^ The Schengen acquis - Decision of the Executive Committee of 28 April 1999 on the definitive versions of the Common Manual and the Common Consular Instructions (SCH/Com-ex (99) 13)
27. ^ Council Regulation (EC) No 453/2003 of 6 March 2003 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
28. ^ Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 1932/2006 of 21 December 2006 amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
29. ^ Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/693 of 27 April 2022 on the temporary suspension of the visa exemption for nationals of Vanuatu, EUR-Lex.
30. ^ "FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)". Government of Vanuatu. 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022.
31. ^ No More Passport, Daily Post, 10 May 2018.
32. ^ Upgraded Passport Launched, Daily Post, 24 July 2019.
33. ^ ^{a b} Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/222 of 1 December 2022 on the temporary suspension of the visa exemption for all nationals of Vanuatu, EUR-Lex.
34. ^ Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code, pp. 1–52
35. ^ Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 3.1 C (2019) 7131
36. ^ ^{a b} Article 1(5)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Prior to Regulation (EU) No 610/2013, in response to an Ad-hoc Query by the European Migration Network), the national agencies responsible for border control in 9 Member States confirmed that Annex II nationals holding residence permits or long-stay visas would be entitled to stay for a further period of three months without a visa upon the expiration of the residence permit/long-stay visa. However, following the entry in force of Article 1(5)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 on 18 October 2013, all Annex II nationals holding residence permits or long-stay visas issued by a Schengen member state are entitled automatically to stay for a further period of three months without a visa upon the expiration of the residence permit/long-stay visa (the conditions of a visa-free stay would apply to this period of three months after the expiration of the residence permit/long-stay visa, rather than the conditions of stay associated with the residence permit/long-stay visa).
37. ^ "Border crossing". 6 December 2016.
38. ^ Agreement between the European Union and Antigua and Barbuda amending the Agreement between the European Community and Antigua and Barbuda on the short-stay visa waiver}
39. ^ Agreement between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the short-stay visa waiver
40. ^ Agreement between the European Union and Barbados amending the Agreement between the European Community and Barbados on the short-stay visa waiver
41. ^ Agreement between the European Union and the Federative Republic of Brazil amending the Agreement Between the European Union and the Federative Republic of Brazil on short-stay visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports
42. ^ Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mauritius on the short-stay visa waiver
43. ^ Agreement between the European Union and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the short-stay visa waiver
44. ^ Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles amending the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Seychelles on the short-stay visa waiver
45. ^ ^{a b c d e} Information on national derogations from the visa requirement, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, 12 May 2022.
46. ^ ^{a b c} Frequently asked questions, European Union External Action Service.
47. ^ Residence Permit, Government of Monaco, 5 October 2012.
48. ^ Travelling in the EU / Schengen, Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, 11 December 2017.
49. ^ ^{a b} Practical Handbook for Border Guards, European Commission, 28 October 2022. Page 80, footnote 83, and page 91, paragraph 9.
50. ^ Articles 3(1) and 5(2) of the Directive 2004/38/EC (Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States).
51. ^ ^{a b} "Non-EU family members".
52. ^ Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Points 2.1.2 and 2.8 (C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019)
53. ^ Practical Handbook for Border Guards, Part II, Section I, Point 2.8 (C (2019) 7131, 8 October 2019, p. 22)
54. ^ "High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London – Visa Information". Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
55. ^ 94/795/JHA: Council Decision of 30 November 1994 on a joint action adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3.2.b of the Treaty on European Union concerning travel facilities for school pupils from third countries resident in a Member State
56. ^ Article 16 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), p. 1–58
57. ^ Tensions are high, but no plans to terminate visa-free travel, The Barents Observer, 7 April 2022.
58. ^ "List of notifications of bilateral agreements under Article 19 of Local Border Traffic Regulation" (PDF).
59. ^ "Польша временно останавливает действие соглашения о местном приграничном передвижении". Archived from the original on 4 July 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
60. ^ "Польша не возобновила пограничное движение с Калининградом - ЦФО - РИА ФедералПресс". 3 August 2016.
61. ^ Regulation (EC) No 1931/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006
62. ^ Judgement of the European Court of Justice of 21 March 2013, Case C‑254/11, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg Megyei Rendőrkapitányság Záhony Határrendészeti Kirendeltsége v Oskar Shomodi, ECLI:EU:C:2013:182, see Press release
63. ^ Do you need a visa?, Government of Iceland.
64. ^ Persons who do not need a visa to visit Norway (visa-free), Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
65. ^ Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality, State Secretariat for Migration of Switzerland, 4 May 2022.
66. ^ "Mongolian citizens are exempted from visa to the following countries/regions". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. August 2022.
67. ^ Countries requiring or not requiring a visa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, 18 January 2022.
68. ^ "FAQ - I'm planning a trip by air and have to transit at a German airport. Do I need a visa?". German Federal Foreign Office. Retrieved 13 December 2019. The vast majority of foreign travellers benefit from the "transit privilege" - if during a stopover at a German airport, you do not leave the International Airport Area and if the destination is not in a Schengen country, you do not need a transit visa.
69. ^ Article 3 and Annex IV of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), p. 1–58
70. ^ Common list of third countries listed in Annex I to Regulation (EC) no 539/2001, whose nationals are required to be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of airports situated on the territory of the Member States, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Union.
71. ^ Article 3(5) of the Visa Code () (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), p. 1–58
72. ^ Article 3(2) of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), p. 1–58
73. ^ List of third countries whose nationals are required to be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of airports situated on the territory of one/some Member States, European Commission.
74. ^ ^{a b} Article 12(2) of the Schengen Convention.
75. ^ New EU visa rules – Questions and answers, European Commission, 31 January 2020.
76. ^ Article 13 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), p. 1–58])
77. ^ Article 23 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), p. 1–58)
78. ^ Article 16 of the Schengen Visa Code, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 (OJ L 188, 12 July 2019, p. 25–54)
79. ^ Article 22 of the Schengen Convention, p. 19–62 and Article 23 of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399, pp. 1–52).
80. ^ Delay in Schengen visa issuances riles MEA, The Economic Times, 20 July 2022.
81. ^ Travellers Face Financial Losses as Processing Time for Schengen Visa Increases, Schengen Visa Info, 15 June 2022.
82. ^ Portuguese visa application “monopoly”, The Portugal News, 22 October 2022.
83. ^ ^{a b} Questions and Answers – Visa Digitalisation: Visa travel to the EU becomes easier, European Commission, 27 April 2022.
84. ^ "Schengen Visas to Become More Secure & Accessible as MEPs Adopt Digital Visas". 19 October 2023.
85. ^ "Visa policy". European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs.
86. ^ "A humane and effective return and readmission policy". European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs.
87. ^ Article 7.2 of the Practical Handbook for Border Guards (C (2006) 5186)
88. ^ Article 7.5 of the Practical Handbook for Border Guards (C (2000) 5186)
89. ^ Article 25 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, pp. 1–58])
90. ^ Travel documents issued by third countries and territorial entities, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, 17 July 2018.
91. ^ Travel documents issued by member states, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, 27 April 2018.
92. ^ Travel documents issued by international organisations and other entities subject to international law, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, 27 April 2018.
93. ^ Travel: Countries that accept Somaliland passport, Maalmaha News, 2 April 2018.
94. ^ Information concerning the non-exhaustive list of known fantasy and camouflage passports, as stipulated by Article 6 of the Decision no. 1105/2011/EU, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, 15 March 2017.
95. ^ "Statistics on short-stay visas issued by the Schengen states". Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission.
96. ^ "The EU and Armenia look into strengthening and deepening their partnership". Delegation of the European Union to Armenia. 29 November 2023.
97. ^ Council conclusions on a strategic partnership with the Gulf, Council of the European Union, 20 June 2022.
98. ^ "Belize Continues Push for Schengen Visa Waiver in EU Talks". Love FM. 8 February 2024.
99. ^ "EP: EU visa freedom for citizens of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Ecuador". European Interest. 1 December 2022.
100. ^ "EU and Fiji strengthen cooperation". FBC News. 3 August 2023.
101. ^ Five EU countries to sponsor Guyana's bid for Schengen visa-free travel, Office of the President of Guyana, 21 July 2023.
102. ^ "Law Minister discusses Schengen visa issue for Indonesians". Antara. 14 January 2020.
103. ^ Restelica, Bleona (13 December 2023). "Netherlands & Maldives Discuss Schengen Visa Facilitation". Schengen Visa Info.
104. ^ Regulation (EU) No 509/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
105. ^ "Visa waiver agreements". EUR-Lex. 28 April 2023.
106. ^ "EU suspends talks on visa-free travel with Russia and threatens further sanctions". Euronews. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
107. ^ "Russia and Europe, Visa-Free: A Pipe Dream or a Real Possibility?". Riddle. 27 June 2019.
108. ^ Council Decision (EU) 2022/1500 of 9 September 2022 on the suspension in whole of the application of the Agreement between the European Community and the Russian Federation on the facilitation of the issuance of visas to the citizens of the European Union and the Russian Federation
109. ^ "European Parliament legislative resolution of 23 April 2024 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 as regards holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (Koordinaciona uprava)". EUR-Lex.
110. ^ "France said to back Thai visa-free push". Bangkok Post. 12 March 2024.
111. ^ "Türkiye, EU to explore ways for visa facilitation". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 November 2023.
112. ^ Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 30 November 2017
113. ^ Enhanced Security with the Entry/Exit System, EU-LISA.
114. ^ "Entry/Exit System (EES) general information". European Union. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
115. ^ Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Registered Traveller Programme, European Commission, 2013.
116. ^ ^{a b} "Security union: A European Travel Information and Authorisation System - Questions & answers". European Commission. 5 July 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
117. ^ "Will you need a visa to visit Ireland in 2021?". IrishCentral. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
118. ^ "Frequently asked questions about ETIAS". European Union.
119. ^ Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council
120. ^ "ETIAS, what it means for travellers; what it means for Frontex". Frontex. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
121. ^ Switzerland Adapts Laws for Digitalisation of Schengen Visa Application, Schengen Visa Info, 9 December 2023
122. ^ Everything you need to know on the Schengen visa digitalisation, European Commission, 1 December 2023
123. ^ Report - A9-0025/2023, European Parliament, 7 February 2023.
124. ^ Legislative Train Schedule - Digitalisation of visa procedures, European Parliament.
125. ^ Schengen visa: Council agrees negotiating mandate on the digitalisation of the visa procedure, European Council.
126. ^ Schengen visa: Political agreement on digitalisation of visa application
127. ^ State of play and way forward as regards the situation of non-reciprocity in the area of visa policy, European Commission, 19 December 2018.
128. ^ "Bulgaria Will Not Sign TTIP Unless US Lifts Visa Requirements - Minister - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency".
129. ^ Sharman, Jon (3 March 2016). "European Parliament votes to end visa-free travel for Americans". The Independent. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
130. ^ "Citizens of Romania now need a valid electronic passport for visa-free travel to Canada". Government of Canada. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
131. ^ https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/visa-passport-information-results/?widgetheader=visa&nationality=bg&destination=sv
132. ^ https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/visa-passport-information-results/?widgetheader=visa&nationality=hr&destination=sv
133. ^ Consular services, Israeli Embassy in Germany.
134. ^ German nationals who were born before 1928, Israeli Embassy in Germany. (in German)
135. ^ Statement, Israeli Embassy in Germany. (in German)
136. ^ Countries requiring a visa, Government of Montserrat.
137. ^ Frequently asked questions, Electronic System for Travel Authorization, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
138. ^ Information on conditions of entry and stay in the United States, Consular Services of Hungary (in Hungarian).
139. ^ Hungarian citizens abroad can no longer travel to the United States without a visa, Krónika Online, January 20, 2022 (in Hungarian).
140. ^ "Overview of visa requirements/exemptions for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany".
141. ^ "Consulate-General of the Republic of Hungary in New Zealand: General information for entering Hungary, a member of the Schengen Area".
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